Swim Narberth

Swim Narberth was formed by the Friends of Narberth Pool in December 2013, after Pembrokeshire County Council announced their intension of closing the pool. After extensive negotiations, it was agreed that the community would take over the pool and as SwimNarberth CIO, the ownership of the business was taken over on November 1st 2014.

In these times of economic cutbacks, it was clear that as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, we could access wider opportunities for funding and development of the facilities. A business plan was developed to ensure the vaibility and sustainability of the pool. Appart from initial general improvements and savings, the development was devided into two parts. Phase one - To install a Biomas Boiler to provide afordable, renewable heat to the pool and to install 148 PV Solar panels on the roof to provide electricity to the pool and to the National Grid, providing extra income for the pool. Phase two - To extend the buildings to accomodate a cafe with free Wi-Fi and fast Broadband, a viewing gallery, better changing and shower facilities for all and better access (if you want to see the plans, they are on display at the pool).

Phase one is now complete! The Biomas Boiler has been installed, paid for with a community share offer and the formation of Narberth Energy Ltd.(see the link to their web page). The PV Solar panels were paid for tatally by donations and fundraising in the community, so WELL DONE and a BIG THANK YOU to everyone. We are now commencing Phase two, but this time we are attempting to access government grants, from the Welsh Assembly Government and others, to help us to complete our five year plan, to make the pool a viable, self-sustaining community facility, for future generations.

We own the Pool now, so the only way it will close is if the community no longer want it.

First and foremost, the pool needs more customers. Come and use your community facility!

It's the warmest pool in the County, very family friendly, and has a great range of sessions and classes on offer. Come and use it yourself, and encourage your friends and neighbours to do the same. If there are sessions, or facilities that we don’t offer at the moment, let us know!

Volunteer your time!

Whether you can lifeguard (we will train you), bake cakes, collect sponsorship, or work in reception, please offer your services. This is a community venture, which means your time and your skills are a great asset. Please contact us for more information about what you might be able to contribute.

Offer donations We will always need to fund raise – this will give us key funds for extra costs we incur and show potential grant funders that we have the full support of the people of Narberth and the wider community. If you can come to an event with generous pockets, or if you would like to donate, every penny counts in 2016, as we will be embarking on Phase 2 of our business plan - To raise £190,000.00 to improve all the facilities. If you would like to know more, the plans are on diplay at the pool.

The share offer is now closed so thank you everyone who bought shares in Narberth Energy if you would like more information about Narberth energy, follow the link

Appointed Officers

Narberth has been my home town for more than thirty years. I use Narberth Swimming Pool on a regular basis. My reaction on hearing that PCC were going to close it was 'Oh no they’re not!'

I have been a Narberth Town Councillor for twenty years and I have the honour of becoming the Mayor of Narberth three times. My husband John and I used to run The Ivy Bush in High Street, which the family have owned since 1985. I am an active member of the community and serve on the committees of many local groups, including Civic Week, The Bus Stop Youth Project, Narberth Play Park, Bloomfield and Narberth Future Forum. I have also been heavily involved in saving Narberth Library as a community facility. I also work part-time for Pembrokeshire College, as a tutor out in the community.

Ruth Barnes - Ruth is most well known for the work she does for Paul Sartori but she has vast experience in raising money for lots of different causes in the town and has been a staunch supporter of SwimNarberth from the very beginning. She is a Narberth Town Councillor and a member of many community groups within the town, Bloomfield, the Scouts, Narberth Play Park and the Friends of Narberth Old School to name just a few and she is a valued member of our trustees

Bryn Eychells - Passed member of staff, as a Duty Officer and teacher, at Narberth Pool and now works for Pembrokeshire County Council at Haverfordwest Airport as a Safety officer. Bryn is still a familier face at the pool where he does staff training and Health and Safety, among othere things, as a valued member of the trustees.

Jenny Price - Jenny retired after many years as Manager of Narberth pool, prior to the community taking over. She is still a familiar face at the pool and still teaches. She is a very valued member of the trustees, as she has a wealth of experience and knowledge in running a swimming pool that she is able to share.

News Splash

CIVIC WEEK

FUNDAY MONDAY ON THE 23rd JULY

AT SWIMNARBERTH

Don't Miss It!

SEE POOL NOTES PAGE FOR FURTHER DETAILS

If you are a Co-op member, please ring or go online and choose SwimNarberth as your cause. If you are not already a member, it is easy to join at: www.coop.co.uk/membership

We thank everyone for their patients and understanding throughout this very important stage of our development of the pool. We were very fortunate to have got this grant and all works should have been completed by the end of Ferbruary 2018, but it will not be long now.

Any questions, ring the pool: 01834 860940

Volunteers

Have you got a couple of hours a week to spare to volunteer on reception, no eperience necessary? We desparately need people to help the staff by covering reception and answering the phone.

Have you got great FUNdraising ideas to contribute? Can you spare a bit of time to help clean? Many hands make light and fun work and volunteering looks good on your CV, or as part of your DofE.,please get in touch!!

If any volunteers already have the Food Safety Qualification, please let Sam have a copy of your certificate.